By The US Times Team Date: January 18, 2026
The political landscape of Bangladesh is set to become much clearer today as the Election Commission (EC) concludes its final day of hearings on nomination appeals. For hundreds of aspiring candidates, today is "judgment day"—the last chance to get their names on the ballot for the pivotal 13th Jatiya Sangsad (Parliamentary) Election.
What is Happening Today?
Since early morning, the EC auditorium in Agargaon has been a hive of activity. Led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, the full commission is reviewing the final batch of appeals (specifically appeal numbers 611 to 645), along with several pending cases from previous days.
This hearing process is the final hurdle before the official candidate list is locked in. It is a moment of high drama, where a single decision can revive a political career or end an election campaign before it even begins.
By The Numbers: The Scale of the Election
To understand the magnitude of today's proceedings, we need to look at the stats:
Total Nominations Filed: 2,568 candidates initially threw their hats in the ring.
Initial Rejections: During the first round of scrutiny, Returning Officers rejected 723 nominations due to various errors or eligibility issues.
Total Appeals: A massive 645 appeals were filed by rejected candidates fighting to get back in the race.
Over the past week, the Commission has already restored the candidacy of hundreds of individuals, proving that the appeal process is far more than just a formality.
Why This Election is Historic (Long-Term Context)
For our international readers and future historians, the February 12, 2026 election is unlike any other in Bangladesh’s recent history. Following the "July Revolution" of 2024 and the subsequent political shifts, this election is seen as a reset button for the nation's democracy.
With major players like the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami actively fielding candidates, and the former ruling Awami League suspended from participation, the playing field has completely shifted. Today's finalized list will determine exactly who will compete to shape the country's post-revolution future.
What’s Next?
Once the gavel falls on the final appeal today, the Election Commission will publish the definitive list of valid candidates.
January 20, 2026: The last date for candidates to voluntarily withdraw.
January 22, 2026: Official election campaigning begins.
February 12, 2026: Election Day.
As the hearings wrap up this afternoon, all eyes are on Agargaon. For the candidates inside, it’s a legal battle. For the voters outside, it’s the first step toward casting a vote that truly counts.